Through a comparative study, the book offers fresh insights into the contrasting approaches of short-termist liberal democracies and long- termist autocratic China, shedding light on the distinctive qualities of a liberal and civilisational democracy as exemplified by India. Within its illuminating pages, the reader will uncover the critical challenges that Indian democracy faces while navigating the complexities of its relationship with both autocratic China and the liberal West.  Additionally, the book examines the fundamental differences between market economics and market societies.